The 21-year-older is looking forward to his first postseason and has the trust of the Flyers first-year as coach.
It has been said many times before. Carter Hart is entering his first postseason with the Flyers. And his first NHL playoffs overall. At 21-years-old, he’s the youngest goaltender in the NHL to have even played over 20 games this season. So he is well prepared.
He has experience in a playoff-like atmosphere as he has performed numerous times on the international stage. He won a gold medal with Canada in 2018, capturing silver at the World Juniors as well.
But this will be an entirely different atmosphere for a young goaltender like Hart. He has never faced an intensity like this before. He has the full confidence of his head coach, though. Vigneault has had a front row seat to the work that Hart puts in every day and can see he always wants to get better.
"“He doesn’t have a lot of experience at this level, but he’s played some big games at other levels and has come up big. I’m confident that with him and support from Brian [Elliott], it’s a great tandem. I’ve really seen Carter grow, and I think this is the right time for him.”"
And it helps that Hart has the confidence from his teammates as well. They know the kind of goaltender he has grown into. Take Jakub Voracek for example. He’s mentioned Hart as one of the best young goalies in the league and how the team is lucky to have him.
Having that kind of confidence from your teammates can go a long way for a young goaltender. It’s shows the trust they have in someone who doesn’t have the experience that a lot of the Flyers possess.
Not having the experience could work out in his favor, however. He doesn’t have anything to live up to. He has a clean slate in front of him. While there may be expectations put on him, he has the chance to create his own path.
And Hart isn’t one to lose his composure or outwardly show any nervousness. He has admitted to getting nervous before games, but not enough to have an affect on his play.
Appearing in the playoffs come August, there are likely to be some nerves. But with a head coach that has the upmost confidence and teammates who more than believe in him, Hart has everyone in his corner.